Pocket Pistols (LCP, LC9, DB9, 709 Slim and similar.)

[eric-holmes]

I own a M&P 40c and I did it too bulky/heavy to carry comfortably on my small frame. I am approx 5'8" and 120 lbs. I am looking for something slimmer/lighter to carry and since the shield is practically impossible to get, I am forced to look elsewhere.

I am thinking LCP, LC9 or something similar. I'd like to keep it $350 or less. Any thoughts on those?

I've been reading quite about about them so I know a lot of the pros and cons, I just need some personal experiences/opinions.

 

[Oldiron]

Eric, I carry a Ruger LCP in my back pocket all the time. If I have my pants on I have my wallet, keys, pocket knife and the LCP. To put it in few words, It works. Not picky on ammo. Only thing I have to do is take 5 min to take it apart and clean it after I have grunged it up. Bailing and getting in hay will fill all my pockets up with dirt and grass and have actually poured grass out of the De Santis pocket holster the LCP stays in and have had to dry the sweat from the pistol and holster several times. Heck, it is even in my back pocket when I go to the range with my Smiths.
Larry

 

[jaykellogg]

I have a Diamondback DB380 and a Kel Tec PF-9. I am happy with both, but frankly, i bought the Kel Tec because I was concerned the .380 wouldn't do what I needed. .380 costs more than 9mm and is much weaker. I will say for a .380 you will like the Ruger LCP. Since the 9mm pocket pistols came out the .380s are a lot less popular. My Kel Tec has the aluminum trigger. With a spare mag and the trigger I have just a bit over $300 in it. I can carry it in my front pocket in a pocket holster. It is a bit snappy.

 

[eric-holmes]

I really want to adapt to my M&P. maybe I just need a different holster. I bought an infidel holster from comptac and it just seems bulky. Maybe I should try something like a soft tuk or versa carry.

 

[RightArm]

My wife has the LC9, and I hate it. If you need it, God forbid, It will work at close range. I prefer real guns with real triggers. I end up shooting very low with the LC9 because it takes so long for anything to happen when pressing the trigger. It would probably be fine with some practice, but I hate shooting it too much to practice. I've heard others say good things about the model, so maybe it's just my shortcoming.

 

[EllDee]

Eric, I carry a Ruger LCP in my back pocket all the time. If I have my pants on I have my wallet, keys, pocket knife and the LCP. To put it in few words, It works. Not picky on ammo....... Heck, it is even in my back pocket when I go to the range with my Smiths.
Larry

X2. Pretty easy to keep with you no matter the weather, etc.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a LCP in a wallet holster, it stays in one of my coat pockets. Never leave a good coat (and gun) in the coat check. At 5 yards it grouped about 6" your results could vary.

 

[silentflyer]

The only center fire semi I own is a LC9, traded a S&W .380 Bodyguard for it. The LC has a better trigger, if you can call any pocket semi something with a "good" trigger. For an up close and personal pocket gun, it's OK for what it is. I mostly use it for a warm weather carry gun when I am out on the Harley. Groups "OK" at 5 to 10 yards, useless at anything over 20 yards, but that's what I have a S&W 19-4 4" for,my preferred carry gun most of the time..No one gun is "perfect for everything, that's why they make so many for us to chose from , lucky us.

 

[Erich]

I have and very much like an LCP for deep concealment - it is a 372-series, and it's been flawless in reliability. I also find it to be pretty amazingly accurate.

I passed over the LC9 in favor of the similar (but slightly smaller) Kahr CM9, another gun that I'm very happy to own. Not a lot more money, but notably better performance (in terms of carryability, accuracy and ability to use powerful +P+ ammo) in an easy-to-conceal gun.

 

[H Richard]

I also have the LCP, and loaded with Hornady Critical Defense loads I don't feel too under-gunned. The best thing is it "will" be in your pocket rather than being left behind because it is too big. I am always amazed by the accuracy of it, 10 yards into 3" for such a small gun isn't hard to do with the LCP. Just practice occasionally with the trigger pull because it is a little longer than others, think more like a revolver.

 

[wakmeister]

I have the 380 S/W bodyguard--good concealment, accurate and very reliable, no ftf or ftf (250 rounds or so fmj and jhp), the only complaint is the long trigger pull and weight--if I encounter a situation for defense then I wont even feel the pull weight--good luck

 

[straightshooter1]

I had an LCP Talo, but my old hands with the arthritis made it almost impossible to rack the slide. The recoil hurt my hand, too, though the gun always worked and was really very accurate. I sold it here to a fellow forum member and I tried to give him a great deal on it with several different holsters.

I have an LC9 which I don't use much, but which, again, always works and is pretty darn accurate (15 yards is about the only distance shooting I have done with it).

I like both even though I am not a Ruger fan. I like either far better than the new Smith 380 or the new 38 revolver Bodyguard.

Bob

 

[Rule3]

I have one of the first crops of the LCP. It went back on the Ruger recall. I got an extra magazine and Ruger hat for the inconvenience.

Most popular gun sold in the US.

Don't leave home with out. In fact it's in my pocket at home also.

Great little gun.

 

[M3Stuart]

I'm sure I'll get flamed 20 different ways for saying this; but I prefer the Beretta Bobcat in .22LR vs the LCP in .380. It's totally reliable, made of metal instead of plastic, weighs the same or less, has a fine trigger, is both DA AND SA, and is the cheapest thing on the planet to practice with. You can get them online at Bud's for 256 beans.

Will it stop a drug-crazed, zombie-pocalypse mutant? Probably not any less likely to than the .380 wouldn't. Oh, but in about a week - you won't be able to find any ammo for your LCP for roughly two years. A couple bricks of quality .22 will set up your Bobcat for the duration...

 

[dwpmusic]

Carry my LCP everyday. I think it's a great little gun. It's just easy to carry. Hope it will be enough if I ever need it.

 

[eric-holmes]

Today I was also recommended a Diamondback DB9 and a Taurus 709 slim. I am still thinking about size mostly here. The DB9 sure seems like a nice small size. Anyone shoot those?

 

[kozmic]

LCP is a fine carry piece. If you want another option for your 40c, give thought to a Ramora holster. I carry much larger hand guns in the small of my back with a Ramora (not condition 1 1911's though)! I like the draw and it is infinitely comfortable all day IMHO.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Save a few more dollars and buy a j frame 38.

 

[JBH818]

I have an LCP and also a TCP, I typically carry one of them when I wear shorts and an inside the belt holster is too bulky. Just drop it in my pocket and its always there when I need it. In regards to the comments about .380 being too small, shot placement trumps caliber every time. A .22 to the eye is going to do more than a .45 to the earlobe. In all seriousness though, the .380 is fine for anything up close and personal.

 

[eric-holmes]

Save a few more dollars and buy a j frame 38.

No revolvers, they are bulkier than a semi auto.